There’s a corncucopia of musical offerings in Regina today. I’ll list them in chronological order, shall I? At 1 p.m. — no, that’s not a typo, so no supercilious Weiner-type e-mails please — this gig actually is at 1 p.m. at the Exchange. And no, Raffi/Sharon, Lois & Bram aren’t playing. The American post-hardcore band Blessthisfall is (pictured). On a bill that also includes Miss May I, Greely Estates and Before Their Eyes.
Now I know what you’re thinking. That seems like an odd time to have a hardcore rock show. It could work, though. It’s the middle of the day. People won’t be as tanked up. It will mostly be just the band, the audience and the music. But turns out that’s not really what it’s about. See, Blessthisfall, as is evident from their name, has a pretty heavy religious orientation. This still qualifies as a legit musical event. But there’s a pretty big Christian caveat attached. So be forewarned.
At Neutral Ground (1822 Scarth) at the much more civilized hour of 8 p.m. there’s the third installment of the artist-run centre’s concert series of experimental music. Featured are Jeff Morton and Ramses Calderon. The former is a local composer and electro-acoustic/jazz musician, while Calderon, who was born in El Salvador of Mayan and Turkish heritage, draws on classical, traditional and popular forms of music in his compositions and performances.
At Government House tonight and Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m., the Regina Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players are performing a concert called Classical Winds featuring music for clarinets, oboes, bassoons and other wind instruments.
At the Club finger-picking guitar whiz Bob Evans releases his fourth CD. It’s called Dr. Bob’s Acoustic Tonic, and according to a press release, it’s a collection of ragtime, blues, swing and other feel good music.
Finally, at Westminster United Church (Cameron & 13th) at 8 p.m. there’s an unplugged concert by local musicians Glen Sutter and The Relative to celebrate Earth Hour. My last power bill was $24.88, so I don’t feel any great need to join this symbolic protest where people reduce significantly for an hour their electricity consumption to express support for the notion of living less extravagantly in our daily lives. But plenty other people sure the hell do. Admission is $5 per person, or $15 for a family, with proceeds to the Saskatchewan Environmental Society.